ENERGY
Water-bottle waste solution. Seeing a need for more green fencing solutions, the Wyoming-based company Natures Composites has begun manufacturing fences and decking made from wheat straw and recycled plastics. Its TerraFence and TerraDeck products come with a 20-year warranty and promise to be as easy to install as natural wood. To find a retailer or request a quote, visit .
TIME
Seasonal to-do list. The online home-improvement services resource ServiceMagic encourages homeowners to winterize to conserve energy and save money. Company spokesman David Lupberger recommends the following pre-winter, do-it-yourself maintenance tasks. Read more on the subject and view Lupberger’s winterizing video at .
Seal gaps around doors and windows where warm air can escape, and feel around electrical outlets and switchplates for cold air. These problem areas can be fixed with blow-in foam or insulation covers. You may also opt to get a professional to perform a blower door test.
Keep a clean filter in the furnace throughout the winter. Dirty filters make the furnace work harder and may damage it. Consider getting a professional to recommend the proper filter, vacuum the unit and recommend any upgrades.
Wrap an insulation blanket around the water heater.
Install a glass fireplace enclosure on the opening to reduce the amount of hot air that is sucked out of a home when in use. Hire a professional to clean the chimney before lighting the first fire.
Turn off outside water and drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Hire a professional to blow out the sprinkler system with an air compressor.
Clear all fallen leaves in gutters and downspouts so water doesn’t dam up and freeze, causing problems for the roof.
Clean up bushes and spread mulch over flower beds for protection.
